subsailor74

I own a 2018 base Stingray 1LT, and I love every minute I spend driving it. I do not feel it is underpowered, and I have no intention of ever running it on a track. For folks who do not plan to run their Corvettes on a track, what are the advantages of owning a Grand Sport or Z06?

zergi06

ExRedRacer

Pssssst.....

Stop your inquiries into the GS and Z06 models. The more you find out, the more you might end up wanting one and regretting your choice!

Iconic

Definitely the wide body look. I love the apperance.

Big Lebowski

The Z06 makes me giggle just a little more...that and I’ve never gotten used to it’s power. It still surprises me.

subsailor74

My Stingray does the same to me!

hammong

As a 2014 C7 base owner, I am thoroughly happy with with the performance and look. The "wide-body" look of the GS doesn't inspire me, and I honestly don't need the extra 190 horsepower of a Z06. Don't get me wrong, I'd like to have one, I just don't like it enough to fork over $25-$35 K extra money for it. I paid $40K for my '14 with 11.5K miles on it.

BELVIN20

Wide body look, & the Z06 the extra wow factor of the power, remember the need of "More Power"

subsailor74

I guess I just don't get the "More Power" desire for a street car - as it is, the power on the 460HP Stingray scares the beegeebers out of me at times! I have also heard that the GS has a less smooth ride and is noisier than the Stingray - true?

dvilin

You asked the question and not everyone gets the"beegeebers" scared out of them with the power of the 460hp Stingray.I bought my Z06 for the looks and the power.

Trihawk

I have been daily driving my 15 base stingray for 3.5 years. At first the power scared me as well, but as I have put in enough seat time that is no longer the case. Doing autocross and learning how to correct oversteer, etc has improved my confidence. While I think I might be ready for a Z06, probably it is wise for some people to avoid that much power if it is their first high powered sports car. Maybe it is something you can work up to after more "seat time".

JJLAI724

It's like buying a truck. V-8 or Diesel?

Corgidog1

I have a base and could care less about the wide body look, but I am definitely interested in the extra 190 HP and this may eventually lure me into a Z06. Not for the top speed but for the feeling of thrust when I step on the gas-more is better. I would be perfectly happy with my base if there was no Z06.

kennyjames21

At first I was going to buy a Z51, but when I priced it out with similar options, the GS was only about $3.5k more, and you get a lot of stuff for that extra money - most importantly, I like how the GS looks compared to the stingray. I considered the Z06 for the extra HP but it wasn't worth the extra $15k I'd have to spend since I don't drag race regularly.

So basically I got the GS based on better looks (IMO) and before anyone claims that's inconsequential, I'd argue that the looks of the corvette are one of the top reasons anyone even buys one, or any sporty car for that matter. If the vette looked like an astro van, I doubt it would sell as well even if it offered twice the performance it currently does.

subsailor74

Succinct, articulate answer that makes sense - thanks!

JerryU

I bought my Grand Sport because the tires on my 2014 Z51 were a bit anemic in width, IMO. They are the same width as my C6 Z51 and the C7 has more power and more important more low end torque with it's variable cam timing. Result wheel slip. The Grand Sport still slips but less!

To have wider rear tires you need wider rear fenders. Doubt anyone really likes the look of 'Spats' on the front fenders that are only the same width as yours. However Tadge, the Vette Chief Engineer, posted saying they looked at various options and felt the spates provided the best aerodynamic compromise. Made me "feel" better but I added Stage 3 winglets and ACS front splash guards so the looked more integrated. But good looking-no way!





Easy way to define the superiority of the wider Grand Sport tires over my 2014 Z51 is the attainable "g" force in my favorite low/moderate speed turn around a fountain at the end of my street! Puts a smile on my face! Heck the wife's SUV has wider tires than my 2014 Z51. Not quite matching my Street Rod but it doesn't like to make turns!


Folks say they like the "look" but can't believe many like the look of "Spats!" I used Stage 3 winglets and wider ACS front splash guards to help integrate them.

Superstar555

I prefer the more svelte look of the non-GS.

It also doesn't hurt that the Z51 tires are cheaper, the wheels don't get bent nearly as often, and the insurance cost is less.

joemessman

I have a Stingray and want a Z06 for the extra power. And I do like the looks, but don't like the looks of the splitter and side skirts, so I would leave those off. That's just me. I can use the extra 190 horses and the extra torque even thought I won't be tracking it. I have driven a Z06 and it feels so much better when you step on it.

I may decide to have the splitter installed if it affects the down-force significantly.

I like the looks of both, and really the Z is just 3.5 inches wider anyway. Both the same from mirror to mirror. That's it in a nutshell for me.

I should have never drive my son's Z06.

jimmbbo

As mentioned, mostly the "wide body" look and more power.
It is interesting that several Spring Mountain graduates relate that the full potential of the "premium" 'Vettes can only be found on the track, otherwise IMO it's bling and bragging rights...

Kevin A Jones

I'm amazed at the ride quality of my GS especially in the curves of a winding road. Love the Mag Ride. The GS will be noisier then a base Stingray without NPP exhaust. As far as road noise, convertibles will be much quieter than coupes whether Stingray or GS.